Astrophotography Gallery

Although it didn’t hit mainstream media, the “brightest comet in 30 years” appeared briefly in our sky during the last few days. Its sudden brightness caught astronomers somewhat off-guard.

The attached image was taken from the roof of Clay Science Center just after sunset of January 10th, in difficult conditions with a tripod-mounted telephoto lens. As my wife Elizabeth said, “It’s nice to have the photo, but there’s nothing like the beauty of seeing it through binoculars.” One had to share the sight to fully appreciate Liz’s good point. (It was indeed wonderful to see, even through clouds.)

The day before, I’d been on duty for the afternoon study hall. Browsing the Web that period (thanks to the new wireless link) I was astonished to learn how the comet had erupted. Minutes later, some students and I managed to see it, using binoculars from the little side room, right there on Clay’s 2nd floor.

The following dawn, I came in to see it at sunrise. The comet and tail were actually visible through binoculars even at the moment of sunrise. But photography wasn’t possible until the following sunset, when conditions were still difficult. At least my wife and kids were then able to see it with me.

I don’t know if this image will reproduce in any useful way, but I’ll be delighted if you can use it somehow. (Probably it will look better on a WWW page than it would printed.) In any case, if you can ever use it, I can supply more details if you want, even including some astronomy projects & collaborations I’m working on, as a new teacher here.

Cheers!

--John.